Squamish has what everyone around the world wants. We
have a community. Other suburbs of Vancouver and beyond simply don’t
have that feeling of belonging that undeniably comes with saying, I’m
from Squamish. As such it’s sometimes difficult for newcomers to
fully grasp what they’ve gotten themselves into. By and far the
majority of people eyeing up our jewel of a town realize just how special
it is and want to be part of that magic. Unfortunately, there are those
with dollar signs in their eye’s as they regard Squamish as a another
small town just ripe for the picking.

For example, our own provincial government wants to log
a watershed area that includes the single most valuable trail in our community,
‘the Plunge’. First though, they had to get a report done.
This report wisely remarked that it is foolish to destroy a watershed
area that supplies drinking water to countless people, not to mention
a trail worth multiple millions of dollars to our community. Not liking
those recommendations, another report was commissioned by the government
that effectively said, go for it! This isn’t a logging issue it’s
a community sense issue.

Touchy area? You bet. Our trail network is hanging by
a thread as we try desperately to forge lasting relationships. During
this time there are those who unfortunately continue to abuse our fragile
network. Like the latest trail to be illegally built. Deathtrap, and abomination,
would be appropriate names as here you have a trail apparently built by
a 14 year old with his pappy’s hammer and not a clue as to what
responsible trail building means. Rotted Birch, spiked trees, the embarrassing
accident-waiting-to-happen list goes on. The worst part? It wasn’t
built by a well intentioned, naive local kid, but rather a prospective
tour company. A company that didn’t work with SORCA or involve our
community. If someone does get hurt on their ill-conceived trail it will
have dire repercussions for our bike community. After contacting them,
consensus was reached and corrections will be made but sadly this is just
the beginning as countless people eye the target on our chest.

And that just affects the couple thousand or so
residents that enjoys access to our backcountry. It’s not nearly
the big deal that is our impending waterfront development. Over the summer
we had several festivals and events use our spectacular beach front property.
As it stands now, a corporation is ensuring we get the biggest bang for
our buck. There are also countless corporations that are looking to bang
us for a buck. Access to our waterfront is something we all deserve but
unfortunately will most likely have to fight to receive. Sure hotel guests
and waterfront residents will have the pick of the litter but will the
final plan have any prime space for families and functions? Only if we
tell them what we already know. Squamish is not a cookie cutter suburb,
we’re a kick ass community and we’re getting a little sick
and tired of being walked on. With turbulent waters ahead, it about time
we stick up for Squamish.